by Doug La Rocque
Speaking at the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 9, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she would let the mask mandate on businesses expire as planned on Thursday, February 10. These businesses could, if they wish, continue to require masks if that is what they are more comfortable with. She said she would extend the mask mandate for schools, shelters, jails, nursing homes, childcare centers and public transportation for now.
In her announcement, the Governor said she would re-evaluate masks in schools in March, when she has a chance to look at the metrics of COVID-19 (infection rates are now down 93% since the start of the year) and develop “some clear guidance” for schools as to how to deal with COVID-19 situations when the masks do come off. She also stated she “feels compelled” to continue to protect the most vulnerable of our population as an explanation as to why the mask mandate will continue in senior related facilities, child care centers and because of the “closeness” of people in mass transportation.
Reaction
Assemblyman Jake Ashby, who represents most of The Eastwick Press coverage area, tells us “While I am in favor of the Governor’s removal of the mask mandate as it pertains to appropriate settings, I do not understand why the mandate addressing schools remains in place. The Governor and Commissioner Bassett have been ambiguous in their rationale offering no metrics that would trigger the end of the mandates, while stating they are data driven. I suspect this type of neglect will not be helpful in uniting and healing our communities.”
State Senator Daphne Jordan echoes the Assemblyman’s comments. “Reports that Governor Hochul is finally lifting her indoor mask mandate imposed on businesses is long overdue and welcome news for countless small businesses that have struggled under the weight of the Governor’s unconstitutional, costly edict. Now, as COVID-19 cases have thankfully cratered, it’s well past time for Governor Hochul to follow the science and rescind her mask mandate on schools. We need to remove this mandate and unmask our kids so they can – after two incredibly long, difficult years – finally have a normal school day. Governor Hochul needs to stop the bureaucratic delays and follow the science, follow the facts and follow the lead of states like New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and so many others that are making masking voluntary. The time has come to unmask our kids and get back to normal!”
New Lebanon
District Superintendent Andrew Kourt indicated he has sent out a district-wide letter concerning the Governor’s comments. In it he indicated masks will continue for schools and says the Governor also indicated that “Test kits will be sent to students prior to the winter break (for use prior to returning to school on Monday, February 28). We will send a COVID-19 test kit home with each student, faculty and staff member on Wednesday, February 17. As per the State’s request we will be asking families to use this test at home to test their children before returning back to school after break. Mr. Kourt added “Earlier this week, school superintendents throughout our BOCES region sent a letter to New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett advocating for the DOH to work with our school districts to chart a clear path forward.”
Brittonkill/Brunswick
Superintendent Dr. Angelina Maloney says “I haven’t gotten a chance to speak with my Board of Education; however, this announcement was not unexpected. Although many members of our community are looking forward to the end of COVID-19 mandates, as a school we must have a plan to address the needs of those within our school community.”
Berlin
Superintendent Joseph Dhara tells The Eastwick Press his district will continue to follow the law and is awaiting more information and guidance from the Governor. What he says he is looking for “is a pathway to normality” for the students and residents of the Berlin School District.
